Proposed models of psychodynamics and its therapeutic paradigm in Indian context

The four basic psychodynamic theories are drive theory, ego psychology, object relations and self psychology. Constancy principle is withdrawal from excessive stimuli and discharge of accumulated excitation. Psychic energy is a purely quantitative capacity for work. Four basic assumptions in topographical model are psychological determinism, unconscious psychological processes, unconscious psychological conflicts and psychological energies. Topographical model is a dynamic “reflex arc.” There are three structures of psychic apparatus?id, ego and superego. Functions of ego include mounting of defenses ? the signal anxiety. Defense mechanisms are under the administrative control of ego, modalities of handling “id” pressure and external reality. Transference is usually ubiquitous in all human relationship. Real relation is the realistic and genuine aspect of the therapeutic relationship. Technical aspects are free association, resistance and interpretation. Western emphasis on autonomy and independence as opposed to Eastern interdependence in familial context was forwarded by Neki in 1977. According to the Indian heritage of psychodynamics, the psychic apparatus consists of manas (mind/perception), buddhi (intellect) and ahamkara (ego/self-consciousness). Emphasis was on honest self-appraisal. Existential psychotherapy is a concept of Rao in 1990 and according to him classical psychoanalysis is the most unsuitable for Indian population. Understanding of ethnical and cultural impacts upon individual and community psychology is of paramount importance.